The Confucian scholar let out a low shout, and all the demonic butterflies simultaneously flapped their wings, releasing waves of multicolored powder that surged forth in a chaotic tremor. Under the guidance of a spell, the powder coalesced into a vast, five-colored toxic cloud, spanning an acre in size, which swiftly enveloped Han Li.
At the same time, the scholar began chanting incantations and spat out a pale-red bamboo scroll. As the scroll unfurled with a radiant glow, a burst of red light erupted, and numerous crimson runes flew out from within. These runes, seemingly intricate and profound, twisted and transformed the moment they emerged, morphing into fiery red birds that surged toward Han Li like a storm, following the toxic cloud.
Though Lao Ai was only at the early-stage Body Integration level, his initial attack was undeniably impressive. No wonder he dared to challenge Han Li despite witnessing his formidable strength against mid- and late-stage opponents. However, such techniques were nothing to the current Han Li.
Seeing the ferocity of the assault, Han Li didn’t panic but instead smiled faintly. Without summoning any treasures, he swiftly formed hand seals before his chest. A golden flash later, the three-headed, six-armed golden apparition materialized behind him. The apparition mirrored his movements, its six hands forming seals as well. A crystalline spiritual light shimmered across its form, solidifying it into a radiant golden entity.
The three faces, identical to Han Li’s, were as lifelike as real people, while the six arms were covered in golden scales, with faintly visible runes flickering across them—an utterly mysterious sight. This was none other than Han Li’s refined Vajra Fana Dharma Form.
“Dharma Form Golden Body!”
Patriarch Long, watching from below the platform, gasped involuntarily upon recognizing the solidified form of the Vajra Fana Dharma Form. His previously expressionless face betrayed a hint of shock.
Not just Patriarch Long, but the two mid-stage Body Integration cultivators from the Ye and Lin families, who evidently knew something about the Golden Body, were equally astounded.
The moment Han Li’s golden form solidified, the toxic cloud and the swarm of fiery birds reached him, seemingly about to engulf him entirely. But a cold glint flashed in Han Li’s eyes as he suddenly roared.
The golden form behind him blurred and inexplicably shifted to stand before him. Bathed in golden light, its body swelled several times, reaching a height of several zhang. Its six arms lifted and gently swept toward the toxic cloud and fiery birds.
“Puff! Puff!”
Six golden orbs of light materialized in the palms of the golden hands, spinning rapidly. With a flick of the arms, the orbs shot forth, merging mid-air into a single golden vortex.
Simultaneously, the three heads of the golden form opened their eyes, chanting three distinct yet overlapping incantations. Thunder rumbled within the vortex, accompanied by faint Buddhist hymns, before it expanded to three or four zhang in size.
A visible golden wave surged from the vortex, sweeping away the toxic cloud and fiery birds with unstoppable force, drawing them into the whirlpool. In moments, the once-menacing assault was completely eradicated.
Lao Ai was naturally horrified. He hastily moved his golden brush, intending another attack, but Han Li gave him no chance.
With a thought, the Vajra Fana Golden Form swung its six arms toward the scholar, each fist striking out from a distance.
“Bang! Bang!”
Six blinding golden fist phantoms shot forth, vanishing almost instantly.
“Not good!”
A seasoned fighter, Lao Ai immediately sensed danger. Abandoning his attack, he swiftly drew a circle in the air with his golden brush. A golden shield materialized before him. Simultaneously, the red bamboo scroll transformed into a crimson barrier, encasing him. Combined with the black rainbow from his earlier black ruler, he erected three formidable layers of defense in an instant.
Yet, as soon as the defenses formed, six golden fist phantoms reappeared right before him. Initially palm-sized, they abruptly expanded to the size of heads, emitting piercing shrieks as they struck the barriers.
Golden light flared. The first three fists exploded, shattering all three defenses in a flash, exposing Lao Ai’s true form.
Terrified, the scholar instinctively crossed his arms, summoning a white bone hammer. He swung it horizontally before him, enlarging it to a zhang in size.
The remaining three golden fists arrived in rapid succession.
“Boom!”
A deafening explosion erupted as golden and white lights clashed. Lao Ai felt an overwhelming force transmitted through the hammer, his fingers nearly splitting as he staggered back.
Before he could steady himself, the second fist struck the hammer. Another thunderous impact left him pale and unable to hold the weapon, which flew away along with the second fist.
The third fist gave him no time to react, slamming squarely into his protective aura.
Lao Ai’s face drained of color as golden light flooded his vision, an immense force sending him flying backward. With a dull thud, he crashed through the barrier of the platform, hurled over a dozen zhang away before regaining his footing mid-air.
After a quick self-check, he exhaled in relief and clasped his fists toward Han Li.
“Many thanks for your mercy, Brother Han. Your divine abilities are beyond my match.”
Han Li smiled faintly. “No need for thanks. Since this was a friendly contest, it was only natural.”
He had no intention of making unnecessary enemies.
Meanwhile, the disciples of the True Spirit families below were stunned. Though most had realized Han Li was no ordinary early-stage Body Integration cultivator, seeing Lao Ai defeated in a single exchange—without even a few blinks—was beyond shocking.
The Body Integration experts among the families regarded Han Li with a mix of wariness, awe, and complex emotions.
Han Li nonchalantly flew back to the Gu family’s seating area.
“Master, please have some tea!” Bai Guo’er presented a freshly brewed cup of spiritual tea, her face flushed with excitement.
Having never witnessed her master’s true power before, the young girl was overjoyed.
Han Li accepted the tea with a smile, taking a sip. Nearby, Fairy Xiaofeng and Elder Xiao, though astonished by Han Li’s prowess, were equally delighted. With this, the Gu family’s position among the top five True Spirit families was firmly secured.
The remaining proceedings were straightforward. Knowing each other’s strengths, few families dared to challenge. After a handful of matches, the ranking competition concluded.
The subsequent distribution of tokens and resources, based on rankings, was left to Fairy Xiaofeng and Elder Xiao.
Han Li sat quietly, watching the family heads argue vehemently on the platform, a faint smirk on his lips.
No wonder these elders shed all decorum—every sliver of resources involved staggering benefits, making concessions unthinkable. Even with rankings, reaching consensus would have been impossible without days of debate.
The Body Integration experts, maintaining their dignity, remained seated like Han Li, awaiting the final agreements. Some still cast curious glances his way, though none dared hostility now.
“Second Avatar, Dharma Form Golden Body… Brother Han’s abilities surely extend beyond what was displayed today,” a voice suddenly echoed in Han Li’s ears—Patriarch Long’s.
“Likewise, Brother Long’s powers aren’t limited to mere half-dragon transformation,” Han Li replied calmly, glancing at the distant patriarch.
“Of course. Still, your prowess exceeds my expectations. Might you have ties to the Sacred Island?”
The unexpected question gave Han Li pause.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage